P.E.A.C.E. Inc.'s program stays connected with kids on Syracuse's East Side

Dick Blume /The Post-StandardRichard Szymanski, left, and Ben Binyard pushing cabinet into moving van at Kennedy Square, Syracuse, NY. The program moved into the basement of University United Methodist Church.

Syracuse, NY.--------When Kennedy Square housing complex closed last year, P.E.A.C.E. Inc. worried about the future of the after-school and summer programs it ran at thecomplex on Syracuse's East Side.

But the program, Project Connection, found a new home in the basement of University United Methodist Church, 1085 E. Genesee St.

Project Connection averages about 25 children a day. About 10 of those children are involved in a program funded by the state Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disability. The new space includes a computer room, recreation room with pool table, a general-use room, office and a kitchen space.

In April, Geneva Hayden, ran an eight-week parenting program. Eleven parents graduated from the "Yes We Can Mom and Dad Parenting,'' a play on President Barack Obama's message from his historic campaign.

"It was a great experience for me because I'd never worked with adults,'' said Hayden, a community activist who focuses on literacy issues. "It's the missing link. Everything we do working with children has a connection back to the parents.''

Jessica Buchalter/The Post-StandardJulius L Lawrence, Program Coordinator for Project Connection, an after-school and summer program run by P.E.A.C.E. Inc. The program found a new home at University United Methodist Church after Kennedy Square closed last year.